If you’ve been driving in London lately, you’ve probably heard of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).
Introduced by Mayor Sadiq Khan, the zone expanded in August last year to cover all of Greater London, making it the largest pollution charging area in the world.
While the goal is to reduce air pollution, the expansion has led to a surge in fines, with Enfield residents bearing the brunt of penalties.
Enfield Tops the List
Data from Transport for London (TfL) reveals that in the first year of the expanded ULEZ, a staggering 988,485 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) were issued.
Enfield drivers alone received 80,023 fines—far more than any other borough.
Croydon came in second with 57,055 fines, followed by Hillingdon at 52,561 and Barking and Dagenham at 52,186.
These figures highlight the significant financial impact the ULEZ expansion has had on outer London boroughs.
The Costs Add Up
So, what happens if you don’t comply with ULEZ rules? Drivers of non-compliant vehicles are charged £12.50 daily.
If this fee isn’t paid by midnight on the third day after entering the zone, a £90 fine is issued.
This fine doubles to £180 after 14 days and can climb to £270 if ignored for 28 days.
Persistent non-payment may result in enforcement actions like vehicle seizures or visits from bailiffs.
In the past year, TfL issued over 673,000 warrants to recover unpaid fines.
For some, the penalties were staggering, such as a driver with 45 outstanding warrants who ultimately paid nearly £16,000.
The Bigger Picture
ULEZ aims to encourage greener travel and reduce pollution.
According to TfL, more than 96% of vehicles in the zone now meet emission standards, with non-compliant vehicle numbers dropping by 53% in the first six months after the expansion.
However, critics argue that the scheme disproportionately affects low-income residents in outer boroughs.
Revenue and Public Transport
From the fines and daily charges, TfL recouped £25.6 million in unpaid debts and generated substantial income—more than £322 million in fines since the expansion and £176 million in fees paid by drivers.
TfL insists this money is being reinvested in public transport, such as improving bus routes in outer London.
Rising Enforcement
The surge in fines also reflects a rise in enforcement efforts.
TfL has increased its use of advanced CCTV cameras and tripled its investigations team.
These measures not only target ULEZ violations but also enforce traffic rules on London’s major roads, resulting in additional penalties for offenses like stopping in bus lanes or parking in restricted zones.
Pushback from the Public
Not everyone is on board with ULEZ.
A Facebook group with over 45,000 members encourages people to resist paying fines, and some have taken to vandalizing enforcement cameras.
Despite this opposition, TfL stands firm, emphasizing that ULEZ expansion is crucial for cleaner air and healthier living conditions.
Final Thoughts
While the ULEZ scheme has undeniably reduced air pollution, its financial impact on Londoners continues to spark debate.
Whether you see it as a necessary step toward a greener city or an unfair burden, one thing is clear: the ULEZ is here to stay, and its effects will be felt for years to come.